-
King Louis XVI crowned King of France
Louis XVI came heir to the throne in 1774 being the last Bourbon king of France. King Louis XVI let the French Revolution come crashing down on him which later led to his execution in 1793. -
American Revolution
This war happened to be between the Americans and the British. France at odds with the British agree to finance the Americans in the war leading them to a financial downfall and later bankruptcy throughout the government. -
Calling of the Estates General
After widespread frustration, a financial crisis, and the weakening power of the king, King Louis XVI calls a meeting to ask for help to solve these problems. A meeting like this hadn’t been held in over 100 years. -
Formation of National Assembly
After the Third Estate saw how they were getting treated in the means of a vote, they decided to make their own representation which was the National Assembly. The Third Estate demanded that King Louis XVI make financial/economic reforms so the people would be able to eat. The National Assembly seemed to take control over the government for about 10 years. -
Tennis Court Oath
Seeming to be locked out of their usual meeting hall, the supporters of the National Assembly moved to a nearby Tennis Court. There they took an oath to never separate until a constitution was established for France. King Louis XIV gave in and forced nobility and clergy to join the National Assembly. -
Attack on Bastille
A prison in Paris, known as the Bastille, was attacked by an angry mob. This event symbolically marked the beginning of the French Revolution. -
French Women force Louis XVI to leave Versailles
A crowd of women along with many other Parisians, marched to Versailles angry because of lack of bread. After asking for the Baker, King Louis agrees to part with them, when this isn’t enough they get into Marie Antoinette’s quarters. After barely escaping, Louis trying to address the situation, agrees to leave Versailles with his wife and children. -
Declaration of war against Austria
Believing that war would help unify the country and wanting to spread their ideas throughout Europe, France’s governing body declared war Austria. As the war progressed, France began to become more successful. -
National Convention formed
The National Convention was elected to provide a whole new constitution for France after the overthrow/execution of the monarchy. The National Convention seemed to take part in the rid of Robespierre, and later approved a constitution to replace the National Convention. -
Louis XVI is executed
Being accused of working with foreign powers, King Louis XVI was sentenced to death by the National Convention for treason. He was executed via guillotine. -
Reign of Terror
The purpose of the Reign of Terror was to rid France of their enemies and protect the country from foreigners. Maximilien Robespierre was at the head of this operation of executions and the killings didn’t stop till after he was executed in 1794. -
Thermidorian Reaction
This revolt led to the fall of Maximilien Robespierre, the leader of the radical group, the Jacobins. This also symbolized the collapse of the Reign of Terror. -
The Directory is formed
This Revolutionary government was set up by the constitution in means to help solve the problems in France. It lasted 4 years, barely making any progress, leading to the rising of Napoleon. -
Napoleon takes power
After being captain, commander, and lastly general of the French armies, Napoleon decided this wasn’t enough. He later came to be crowned as emperor and accomplished many things for his country during his time period of ruling. -
Napoleon invades Russia
In 1812, Napoleon made a grave mistake of leading his army into a land they’ve never even set foot across the Niemen River into Russia. Most of his army was completely wiped out from starvation and freezing to death. This marked the beginning of the end of Napoleon Bonaparte. -
Battle at Waterloo
One of Napoleon’s final mistakes, he goes on to try to defeat the Prussians. Giving the Prussians time to surprise them in the war, the French army later retreats and is defeated. This would be Napoleon’s final war before getting exiled to Saint Helena.
